Even though I'm going to school in Missouri, I pretty much grew up in Phoenix, Arizona all my life. I knew, living in the United States, that there were definitely regional differences among the states but I never fully understood how different my life growing up could be from someone in Missouri or the Midwest. While I sometimes wish I had a white Christmas or experienced the leaves changing colors on the trees, falling off, and then coming back perfectly green, I absolutely loved growing up in Arizona and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

The first thing that I am usually asked about is the weather. Yeeesssss, it is a dry heat. If you really want to know how it feels in the summer without going there, turn your oven on really low and open it. Or turn on your hair dryer. It's pretty much the same thing. The best part is about mid-October to about mid-March* the weather is amazing. It's cool and usually breezy and it comes without any stickiness. It does get colder occasionally but overall it is just mostly great weather all around. Some plants actually bloom more in the colder weather here so it is not as gray and dreary. Honestly, it's one of the things I miss the most when I'm away at school.

One of my other favorite things about the Phoenix Metro area is the unique blend of cultures. There's definitely a Southern California vibe to some parts of the city, with palm trees planted carefully (even cell towers disguised as them), and trendy modern apartment buildings. Yet there is also an Old West aura to some parts, noting Old Town Scottsdale as probably the most famous example. Of course, being so close to Mexico, there is also Spanish and Native American culture everywhere in between. While the downtown area is unusually small in comparison to other cities of its size, downtown Phoenix has an unexpected level of art and culture, like Roosevelt Row for example. I think sometimes people, even residents of the area can sometimes believe that Phoenix has little or no culture, but there are hidden gems all around Arizona.

Phoenix may not be one of the premier big cities in the US to visit, and it may not have the iconic attractions that LA, New York City, or Las Vegas have, but Arizona as a whole is one of the most beautiful states to see, from the sunsets to the wildlife to the canyons and rock monuments, and I love having it as my hometown and I wouldn't trade it for anything.